Riverina Merino 2008

The Riverina Stud Merino Field Day Association is one of the most pro-active and committed industry groups working in Australia’s rural sector today. The 2003 Riverina Stud Merino Field Day, to be held at Shear Outback in Hay on Friday September 12, will showcase a line up of breeding stock, exhibitors and events guaranteed to reinforce the group’s enviable reputation and their commitment to an overall industry-recognised top quality product.

Around two dozen of the Association’s finest studs will exhibit the Riverina’s Fibre, Frame, Fertility renowned rams as a comprehensive overview to the Spring Ram Sale Calendar, running from September 1-30, with ongoing flock ram sales held all year. Wool growers who want to see the Association’s ongoing commitment to progressive genetic gain, as well as their dedication to working in harmony with the landscape, need look no further than a visit to the September 12 Field Day.

In addition to showcasing the Riverina’s finest Merino Studs at one location, wool-growers, pastoralists, industry personnel and the public will be able to take part in an innovative and practical industry forum exploring future land management, conservation, and grazing land use for the long-term future.

The event, called Thinking Beyond the Boundary Fence, brings knowledgeable and influential speakers together with Field Day visitors in an interactive forum. Beginning with introductions and overviews, and followed by question time and breakaway interactive discussion groups, the forum is designed to give all visitors a wonderful opportunity to meet the speakers face to face and discuss their own issues and concerns.

Thinking Beyond the Boundary Fence has been developed to be of interest to people from a wide geographic and agricultural spectrum, with panellists selected for being of interest to producers, property owners, conservationists, and managers. Topics will include: an overview of the wool industry and regions; native vegetation and the impact on the grazing industry, creating pathways to sustainable rural landscapes; practical and new methods of working with landscapes in production; future marketing trends; and change and how to make change work for you.

Panellists at Thinking Beyond the Boundary Fence will include Geoff Fishburne, (Deputy-Director-General, Department of Sustainable Natural Resources), Rick Farley (Chair of the Resource and Conservation Assessment Council), Corey Watts (Australian Conservation Foundation), Terry McCosker (Director of RCS and the Grazing For Profit system), Andrew Campbell (Executive Director, LWA) Michael von Berg (Michael von Berg & Associates, SA) and Clive Murphy (Clive Murphy Self-Empowerment Centre).

In addition to Thinking Beyond the Boundary Fence and the very best of the region’s winning trifecta rams, the Riverina Stud Merino Field Day will focus on generating opportunities for industry young people. Feature events include the Wesfarmers Landmark Pennefather Trophy for the Best Junior Judge, the Sandy Robertson Young Riverina Ambassador Award, and the prestigious Elders VP Riverina Ram of the Year.

The Riverina Merino Field Day gates open at Shear Outback at 9am with free entry to the Field Day and all visitors have a chance to win $500 just by walking through the gate. With several on-property displays open close by and numerous commercial industry displays, the Riverina Stud Merino Field Day is an ideal time to view a large number of leading Riverina Merino Studs at one convenient and exciting location. Shear Outback, The Australian Shearers’ Hall of Fame, is a new interpretive centre with interactive experiences and exhibits which focus on the past history and legends of the Australian shearing industry, as well as future shearing technologies. The complex gained both State and National Architecture awards in its first year of operation.

The Riverina Merino Field Day Association offers a free quarterly newsletter, and Field Day inquiries, as well as nominations for the Junior Judging and Sandy Robertson Young Riverina Ambassador Award, are welcome. Contact Executive Secretary, Wendy Spencer, on (02) 6959 1180 or email: wendy@riverinamerino.com.au